Dog Jumping on People

Dog Jumping on People: How to teach the "Off" command

In this article we will look at getting your dog to perform the simple dog behavior of preventing your dog from jumping on people. You will want to be teaching your dog the "down" or "off" command. Whatever command name you use will actually be up to you. You can even use a different language word if you want. The command you use will basically mean to the dog "do not touch" and that will basically be exactly what you want your dog to learn from it.

Therefore, let's say that you were going to use the "off" command to get your dog from jumping on people or you or your family. You undoubtedly have had at least one time where you were in the yard or at the park when someone else's dog that actually had no training whatsoever seemingly, continually jumped on people as they approach him. It's not the dogs fault but the owners, however, either way this type of problem can be a real pain in the neck to deal with.

The example talked about above describes perfectly what you need to try to avoid my teaching your dog the command "off" or any other term you use. Starting off this training will be helped by allowing your dog to see a piece of food in your hand close enough so that he will be able to jump in order to get it. Right when he moves to jump towards the food, you'll want to say "Max, Off"! And if your voice does not have a necessary commanding tone enough for him to go down to the ground, you'll need to calmly but firmly push them down to the ground.

You'll then want to consider this important step before you move anywhere further. As soon as your dog drops down to the ground with all four legs firmly planted, you'll need to praise him excitedly and lovingly. Also, give him the snack that you were holding in your hand. During this enough will help him attribute a good feeling with him responding to your command by getting down to the ground on all four legs. Eventually, he will do this effortlessly without any need of a snack reward.

As time goes on, he will definitely learn what the off command means. One definite thing to note will be that he needs to hear the same thing consistently. You don't want to add any words nor have any other people in the family use something else besides the command "off". Continually rewarding him and being consistent will be the key for him to effectively learn this action quickly.

Another important point might be not giving your dog a reason to jump up on you or anyone else. Whenever you come home, your dog will be very interested in seeing you. After you open the door and come in, he will want to get closer to your face and hands. He is looking for some returning love from you. One good way to eventually give in to not jump upon you and other people will be lowering your self down to almost his level to greet him.

Furthermore, one of the things a pack leader will do for his dogs will be not immediately greeting them once he arrives home. You as a pack leader don't want to encourage your own dogs excitement. He's already excited when you come home so you don't want to encourage it further. Wait for him to calm down before you greet him with love. He will eventually understand that it will be better for him to act calmly to be acknowledged. This will also give a major impact on how he responds to people that come inside your home.

For other really good advice on the use of dog collars, check out this page Sit Stay Fetch.